Complaints about West Midlands Police have jumped by almost 35 per cent in the last year, the force's bosses will be told tomorrow.

Some 3,092 complaints were recorded between April 1, 2004 and March 31 this year, compared to 2,040 the year before.

The rise stems at least partly from changes to the complaints procedure. In April 2004 a helpline - 08453 002 002 - was set up for the public to register their displeasure with forces across the country and complaints were accepted about all police staff, not just officers.

In the same year West Midlands Police decided to take complaints from people not directly involved in incidents, who objected to an officer's conduct.

However, the statistics reveal 59 people complained about the fairness and impartiality of the force in 2004/5, compared to just one the year before.

Some 325 complained about what they believed to be "oppressive conduct or harassment" in 2004/5, compared to 178 the year before. And 133 complained about what they deemed to be "discriminatory behaviour" in 2004/5, compared to 55 the year before.

The statistics will be discussed by the West Midlands Police Authority tomorrow.

Its chairwoman, Diana Holl-Allen, said: " Complaining has becoming a much easier process.

"From our point of view this is a positive thing and gives us a more rounded picture of people's views," she added.

West Midlands Police said: "We don't believe there has been a decline in professional standards, but that instead we have a better insight into areas giving the public cause for dissatisfaction."